World Oct 29, 2020
Social media CEOs rebuff bias claims and vow to defend U.S. election
The executives said they are taking several steps, including partnerships with news organizations, to distribute accurate information about voting.
World / Politics Oct 26, 2020
In 2020, homegrown U.S. disinformation surpasses Russian effort
In the first week of October alone Facebook took down 200 accounts, 55 Pages and 77 Instagram accounts that originated in the U.S.
World / Politics Oct 10, 2020
QAnon conspiracies go global in pandemic 'perfect storm'
by Qasim Nauman
Social media firms are grappling with the spread of disinformation from followers around the world.
Asia Pacific Oct 8, 2020
One minute Australian "wellness" personality Pete Evans is posting a barbecued prawn recipe to 1.5 million Facebook followers, the next he's claiming the coronavirus pandemic is an elaborate global hoax. During this year of crisis, the ever-smiling, one-time television chef known as "Paleo Pete" has ...
Asia Pacific Oct 8, 2020
Online misinformation is leaching out from cheap mobile phones and free Facebook plans used by millions in the Philippines, convincing many to reject vaccinations for polio and other deadly diseases. Childhood immunization rates have plummeted in the country — from 87 percent in 2014 to ...
World Oct 7, 2020
Facebook said it will ban groups that openly support QAnon, the baseless conspiracy theory that paints President Donald Trump as a secret warrior against a supposed child-trafficking ring run by celebrities and "deep state” government officials. The company said Tuesday that it will remove Facebook ...
World / Politics | FOCUS Oct 3, 2020
News Friday that President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 sparked an explosion of rumors, misinformation and conspiracy theories that in a matter of hours littered the social media feeds of many Americans. Tweets shared thousands of times claimed ...
World Sep 29, 2020
How ‘Save the Children’ is keeping QAnon alive
by Kevin Roose
The movement was hijacked by QAnon believers, who used it to spread false and exaggerated claims about a global child-trafficking conspiracy led by top Democrats.
Asia Pacific / Social Issues Sep 20, 2020
In South Korea, COVID-19 comes with another risk: online bullies
by Choe Sang-Hun
Governments around the world have grappled with misinformation and outright lies about the coronavirus. In South Korea, that struggle has become uniquely personal.
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Sep 5, 2020
Trust and truth go hand in hand in a troubled year
by Michael Hoffman
COVID-19’s most visible symbol is the mask, but 85 of 100 doctors surveyed by Shukan Gendai say masks are unnecessary in open outdoor spaces.
World / Politics Aug 25, 2020
Russian-backed organizations amplifying QAnon conspiracy theories, researchers say
Russian government-supported organizations are playing a small but increasing role amplifying conspiracy theories promoted by QAnon, raising concerns of interference in the November U.S. election. Academics who study QAnon said there were no signs Russia had a hand in the early days of the movement, ...
World Aug 7, 2020
Facebook’s dilemma: How to police claims about unproven virus vaccines
by Elizabeth Culliford and Gabriella Borter
Since the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus an international health emergency in January, Facebook Inc. has removed more than 7 million pieces of content with false claims about the virus that could pose an immediate health risk to people who believe them. The ...